Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has praised Fiji’s collaboration with Google, calling it a significant advancement for the nation’s technology landscape and a considerable boost for the digital economy in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for Google’s substantial ICT facility in Natadola, Nadroga, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the transformative potential of the project, which is set for completion by late 2026. He stated that this new infrastructure positions Fiji as a key hub for digital connectivity in the Pacific. The facility will house Viti Levu’s second cable landing station, which will improve internet resilience and facilitate Fiji’s shift towards a more robust digital economy. “This investment represents progress in connectivity, our people, and the nation’s future,” he remarked.
The facility will include advanced data servers, power systems, and a new cable landing station that will link Fiji to international fiber-optic cables, notably connecting to global centers such as Los Angeles. Google’s vice president of Network Infrastructure, Brian Quigley, characterized the project as a symbol of innovation and economic stability for the Pacific region. He added that the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and fulfill the mission of making the world’s information universally accessible.
Moreover, the project is anticipated to generate over 3,600 jobs and contribute an estimated $574 million (USD $250 million) to Fiji’s GDP by 2030. It is expected to enhance Fiji’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, indirectly benefiting areas like healthcare, tourism, and education.
Mr. Rabuka highlighted that Google’s investment signifies that Fiji is open for business, ready to establish itself as a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global trade. Additionally, Google has plans to use its AI technology to tackle climate challenges, including employing its Flood Hub tool to forecast floods up to a week in advance, enabling communities and governments to prepare effectively.
The chief investment officer of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Naibuka Saune, labeled the partnership as a transformative opportunity for the nation’s ICT sector.
This partnership showcases the potential for positive growth and development in Fiji’s digital landscape, fostering job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced resilience against climate challenges. It also reflects a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s ambitions on the global stage.
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